Options For Addiction Treatment Programs
For many, the idea of ‘treatment’ produces images of detoxing and residential rehab facilities. The reality is that detoxification is just one part of recovery. It only addresses the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. And a residential treatment program is just one of the multiple treatment options you have.
Substance use disorder (SUD) can take place in multiple different settings (inpatient vs. outpatient) and with varying degrees of intensity. Your treatment plan is designed around your individual condition and addresses your physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs. It also addresses the substance; for example, medications to treat opioid addiction.
Given the vast array of options, we’ve prepared an article that breaks each one down. That way, you can make an informed decision and prepare for the treatment that is best suited to your recovery journey.
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6 Types Of Treatment Programs
Just like there are varying levels of substance abuse, there are varying levels of addiction treatment. With 46.3 million people (or 16.5% of the US population) meeting the criteria of a substance use disorder, one size does not fit all. Let’s take a look at the six main types of treatment programs:
Outpatient Treatment: Low To Medium Intensity
In an outpatient program, you attend therapy sessions at a clinic or hospital without staying overnight. You’ll still have access to medical supervision and psychological support as needed.
It starts with the outpatient detox process, which is quite different from the one you experience in a residential treatment program. Unlike inpatient detox, you can take medications to help manage the symptoms associated with withdrawal, but will still carry on with your life while doing so.
In outpatient programs, patients usually attend nine hours or less of treatment per week. They continue to live at home while doing so, and many programs make themselves available in the evening and during weekends so those enrolled can maintain their regular work/school schedules.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Medium To High Intensity
For those whose substance abuse disorder is more severe, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) might be a better fit. In this type of treatment, you’ll attend nine to 20 hours of therapy per week at the hospital. You don’t stay overnight because you can still live at home and work or attend school as long as you make a commitment to being drug- or alcohol-free.
IOPs are usually designed for those who have accompanying psychological disorders or medical issues since they need additional support and services during treatment. They also help those who can’t commit to living at the facility (or don’t have insurance that covers it).
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Medium To High Intensity
Partial hospitalization programs provide more intense therapy than an IOP, but not as intense as residential treatment. They’re ideal for those who have completed a detox program or who need a more structured experience than an outpatient can provide.
In a PHP, patients attend four to eight hours of therapy and other services at the facility for five days per week (20+ hours per week). The program is typically tailored to individual needs, so you could have one-on-one as well as group therapy sessions.
Residential Treatment (Rehab): Medium To High Intensity
Residential treatment varies in intensity depending on the severity of the condition, the mental and physical health of the patient, and several other factors.
In a residential rehab setting, patients stay at the facility overnight while receiving the care they need to get sober. The length of stay depends on individual needs and treatment plans, but can range from one month (or less) to six months or longer. During that time, the patient goes through ‘phases’ of treatment such as detox, therapy, counseling, and individual milestones throughout the program’s structure.
The goal of residential rehab is to help patients acquire the skills necessary to maintain sobriety while reintegrating into society. If you’re looking for an excellent residential treatment facility, click here: https://southeastdetoxga.com/
Inpatient Rehab: High Intensity
Inpatient treatment is the most intensive type of SUD treatment available. It provides those with severe addictions the opportunity to get away from their normal environment and focus solely on recovery.
Like residential treatment, the length of stay for inpatient rehab programs can range anywhere from 30 days to a year or more. During that time, you’ll receive 24/7 care and attention while recovering physically and psychologically from addiction. Inpatient rehab in Florida is typically the best option for those with a long history of substance use or those with serious co-occurring mental health issues.
Medication: Low Intensity
Some substances (such as opioids and alcohol) have deadly consequences if the user stops taking them too quickly. Others (like nicotine) can have severe withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, any of the five treatments above will involve medication to help manage the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. Medications also play an important role in relapse prevention by reducing cravings and normalizing the body’s chemistry.
Types Of SUD Treatment Services
No matter which type of SUD treatment program you decide to enroll in, there are certain core services available. These include:
- Detoxification and medication management: A medically supervised process used to help a person safely withdraw from the substance they’ve been abusing.
- Individual counseling: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist focusing on underlying issues and identifying triggers.
- Group therapy: Group sessions with a therapist and other individuals who are facing similar struggles.
- Behavioral therapies: Techniques used to modify thought patterns, change behaviors, and create new coping skills.
- Family therapy: Sessions designed to help families understand the condition of their loved one and how best to support them throughout recovery.
- Relapse prevention: Strategies to identify high-risk situations and develop methods for avoiding them. This includes identifying triggers and learning new coping skills.
- Educational services: Grade-appropriate or GED classes for adolescents and young adults receiving treatment for their SUD.
- Life skills building: Learning how to set goals, manage finances, and develop other essential life skills.
- Mental health treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies designed to help those with co-occurring mental health issues.
- Aftercare services: Follow-up care including individual and group meetings, job training, and caseworker support.
Endnote
No matter which type of program you choose, the goal is to give you the tools and skills necessary to maintain long-term sobriety while reintegrating into society. If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, don’t hesitate to learn more about your treatment options. With help, long-term sobriety is possible.
Read Also:
- 6 Lifestyle Changes for Mental Health
- 6 Easy Ways That You Can Protect and Improve Your Mental Health
- Beyond Blues: 8 Reasons To Consider Inpatient Mental Health Treatment